AKRON, Ohio – The Grand Valley State baseball team fell to the University of Akron (D1) on Friday afternoon at Skeeles Field by a score of 5-3. The Lakers fall to 3-3 overall, while the Zips improve to 4-1.
 
After two scoreless innings, GVSU got the scoring started in the top of the third on a pair of RBI singles by Joe Laudont and Ryan Blake-Jones. Starting pitcher Nick Rutkowski was cruising through five innings before Akron would get a run back in the sixth on an RBI groundout. Leading 2-1 in the seventh, Alex McCormack scored a run on an error to increase the margin, but Akron recorded four hits in the bottom half, including a two-run double, to tie the game at 3-3. The Zips took their first lead of the afternoon in the eighth inning after a two-out rally led to a pair of runs.
 
Rutkowski received his second consecutive no-decision after tossing six innings, allowing four hits, one run, and striking out three. Michael Barno was tagged with the loss (1 IP, 1 ER, 1K).
 
Christian Faust had a career-high four hits.
 
GVSU's game at Kent State tomorrow was canceled and will be back in action next Friday as they will travel back to Ohio and play a doubleheader against Tiffin.